Trouble since I found myself with Internet connection problems. Without seeing Devin’s tweet I reached out to longtime regular Hannah Pike to give participants an update.

Thankfully a change in status occurred a little before 9pm ET. Equipped with a re-established Internet connection, I entered the #CPChatNow thread. Soon the dialogue started flowing like any other Wednesday from the past four-plus years.

Issues recently experienced by longtime regular Blemi led to conversation about ableism.

While Blemi gave an update on her parking situation, Hannah mentioned ableist tendencies. I replied, noting too many people do not realize their ableist behavior. As the chatter continued I theorized a big problem involves the tendency to grow defensive when discussing discrimination. People take words personally oppose to staying open-minded.

Later in the chat participants rallied together again to supply support to another. Regular Shira Sadiky looked to our community for advice on transitioning to college.

I asked Shira what her roommate situation will end up like. Personally I always paid the double rate for a room in college although I lived in a single. Devin supplied greater perspective, explaining the difference between doubles, singles, and medical singles.

Towards the chat’s end I raised a question asked to me the day prior.

The question “What’s your rock?” a middle school teacher asked me following my presentation at a school. Your rock meaning what keeps you moving forward during hard times. Devin, who ended up making the chat at the end after all, said friends and family. That answer proved common.

Blemi called her significant other her rock. Meanwhile Jen said her mother gives her strength during tough times. Your turn! Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question,

“What is your rock? What keeps you going during tough times?”

Respond in the “Comments” section below. Then join us Wednesday evening at 8pm ET for our weekly Twitter chat!

Excitement stirred throughout the evening Wednesday, September 7th, 2016. I am #CPChatNow co-host Zachary Fenell, ready to compress all the excitement into a weekly recap. This week’s Twitter chat coincided with the 2016 Paralympics opening ceremonies. Naturally the conversation drifted to the games.

Now while I directed my question to Devin, anyone could answer. So let us open up the floor. Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question “Are there any particular Paralympic events you are looking forward to?” Leave your response in the “Comments” section.

Discussion went beyond the Paralympics too. I sparked dialogue with my greeting by asking about lessons learned this week.